CAT Exam 2023: Answer Key (Released), Question Paper Analysis, Syllabus, Pattern, Result, Cutoff

CAT Exam 2023: The Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Lucknow conducted the CAT 2023 on November 26. The authority have released the provisional CAT exam answer key 2023 along with the response sheet of CAT on December 5, 2023. Candidates who appeared in the CAT entrance exam 2023 can download their respective CAT 2023 answer key from their dashboard. 

The Common Admission Test (CAT) 2023 has been conducted in CBT mode in three slots of 2 hours each. The CAT 2023 question paper has 66 questions (VARC - 24, DILR - 20, and QA - 22). According to the CAT 2023 exam analysis, the overall difficulty level of CAT exam slot 1 was moderately difficult, slot 2 was moderate, and slot 3 was difficult.

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As per the syllabus, the IIMCAT exam has three sections; VARC, DILR, and QA. The CAT exam question paper will have a total of 66 multiple-choice questions to be solved within 120 minutes. Each section of the CAT exam 2023 will be of 40 minutes duration. To know more details about CAT 2023 exam date and CAT form date 2023, check out our CAT Careers360 page.

IIM Lucknow is conducting the CAT exam this year. IIM Lucknow’s Prof Sanjeet Singh a senior faculty and chairperson of admission at IIML has been appointed as a convener of the CAT 2023. In the recent release by the Ministry of Education Government of India, the National Institute of Industrial Engineering (Formerly known as NITIE Mumbai) has been included in the IIM amendment Act 2023 as the 21st IIM of India and now it is known as Indian Institute of Management Mumbai (IIM Mumbai). 

In this regard, IIM Mumbai will use the IIM entrance exam score for admission.

• Master of Business Administration (MBA)
• MBA (Operations and Supply Chain Management)
• MBA (Sustainability Management)

The CAT exam date for MBA admission has been officially announced by the exam convening IIM on July 30, 2023. The CAT exam notification has been published online and in national newspapers. CAT notification contains all the details about CAT exam 2023 such as CAT registration date, CAT exam application form correction window, issuance of CAT admit card, CAT exam, and result date. According to the notification, the CAT exam registration has been commenced on August 2, 2023, and it was closed on September 21. The authority opened the MBA CAT exam 2023 correction window from September 25 to 28. The CAT exam fees is Rs 2400 (Rs 1200 for the reserved category)

More than 2 lakh candidates apply for the CAT exam every year. This year in the CAT exam, around 3.28 lakh candidates registered, and around 2.88 lakh candidates appeared. The CAT exam is conducted in three sessions in one day at around 300 exam centres in 155 cities across India. Those who are planning to pursue an MBA in the 2024 academic session should appear for the CAT exam as it is accepted by most of the government and private MBA colleges in India. Apart from MBA programs, the CAT score is valid for admission to Executive MBA, PhD, and FPM programs of IIMs and other B-schools.

What is CAT exam used for?

The CAT (Common Admission Test) is conducted for admission to Postgraduate (PG) management programs, such as MBA (Master of Business Administration)/ PGDM (Post Graduate Diploma in Management) offered by 21 IIMs and other top MBA colleges in India. 

What's New in the CAT Exam?

There is no change in the CAT exam pattern and CAT syllabus. However, some changes were introduced in the CAT exam registration process last year. Check out the latest changes in the CAT exam below:

• The CAT exam fees have been hiked from INR 2,300 to INR 2,400 for the general category and INR 1,150 for the reserved category from INR 1,200.
• Candidates must mention their COVID-19 vaccination status in the CAT exam application form.

• Eligibility for CAT extended to FCAI graduates. Now, they are also eligible to appear for the CAT entrance exam.

Does CAT Exam happens twice a year?

No, the Common Admission Test (CAT) exam is conducted only once a year in India.

When is CAT exam 2023?

According to the schedule, the CAT exam 2023 exam date is November 26.

Things to carry for CAT exam?

Apart from the CAT exam 2023 admit card, candidates are also expected to carry an acceptable government-issued identity document for verification purposes. These ID cards include an Aadhaar Card, Passport, Driving License, Voter ID Card and PAN Card.

Browse Top MBA Colleges Accepting CAT Score: Location-Wise

CAT Exam Conducting IIMs Over the Years

The CAT exam for MBA is conducted by the top six IIMs on a rotational basis. Last year the CAT exam was conducted by IIM Bangalore. Check the table below to know which IIMs have conducted the CAT exam in recent years:

Official CAT 2023 Contact Details

• CAT 2023 Helpline: 18002108720 (Toll-Free)

Resource Links for Online MBA

• Online MBA
• Online MBA Colleges
• Online MBA Syllabus
• Online MBA Admission

Candidates who want to appear in the CAT entrance exam must meet the CAT exam eligibility criteria. Check here for detailed IIM CAT exam eligibility such as educational qualification, marks in qualifying exam, and age limit.

• To appear in the CAT exam 2023, candidates must have a Bachelor's degree with a CGPA of at least 50% or equivalent (aggregate 45% for SC, ST, and PwD/ DA categories) from a recognized university.
• The mode of education of the Bachelor's degree can be regular or distance learning but must be a 3-year program.
• Candidates who have completed a professional degree ( CA / CS / ICWA / FCAI) with the required percentage can also appear for the CAT exam.
• Candidates who are in the final year of graduation/ equivalent qualification or awaiting results are also eligible to appear for the CAT entrance exam.

Age Limit: There is no age limit to appear for CAT. The CAT exams is open to both fresh graduates and working professionals.

Mode of Application : Online

Mode of Payment : Net Banking | Credit Card | Debit Card | NEFT | Paytm | Other

IIM Lucknow started the CAT exam registration on August 2 and it was closed on September 21, 2023, at 11 AM. Candidates had to register at the iimcat.ac.in website to fill out the online CAT exam form.

Steps to fill out the CAT exam registration form

• Visit the official CAT website.
• Next, find and click on the 'New registration' link.
• Then, enter your name, date of birth, nationality, phone number, and email ID to register.
• Log in with the ID received in the email to fill out the CAT exam application form.
• Next, enter your personal and academic details.
• Upload a recent passport-size photo and signature in the prescribed format and size.
• Choose the preferred courses and IIMs.
• Then, select the CAT test city preference for exam centre allotment.

• Finally, pay the CAT exam fees via credit/ debit card or net banking.

Also Know; How to fill CAT Exam Application Form

NOTE: Candidates can select up to 6 cities for allotment to the MBA CAT exam centre. Check the list of CAT test cities here.

Documents to upload during CAT exam registration

• Photograph as specified
• Signature as per given specific guidelines
• Academic certificates
• PwD certificate as applicable (if any)
• EWS/Category Certificate as applicable (if any)
• Identification document

CAT exam form correction window

The Indian Institute of Management opened the CAT exam form correction window on December 5. Registered candidates would be able to avail of the facility of the CAT exam correction window. This would allow the candidates to correct the details if they are wrong and provide them mistakenly. 

Mistakes in scanned images of signatures, photographs, and IIM CAT city preference can be modified during this CAT application form correction window.

Details that cannot be corrected in CAT exam form

• Name
• Date of Birth
• Mobile Number and,
• Email ID.

Application Fees

Candidates willing to appear in the CAT exam 2023 should solve the CAT exam question paper as it is the best study source and also helps in effective preparation. There are multiple benefits of solving the CAT exam previous year's paper like understanding the types of questions asked, the marking scheme, the weightage carried by various sections, and importantly learning how to solve a problem quickly which will help in the CAT exam 2023.

Preparation for the CAT exam should start nine months before the CAT 2023 exam date i.e. by March. CAT exam preparation includes completing the CAT syllabus phase-wise, mock test practice, and revision.

Candidates can join a coaching institute for the CAT exam or study on their own with the help of online study groups, books, and resources. Check the below table for important articles about CAT exam preparation.

Can CAT be cleared in 6 months?

Usually, students search for whether can they ace the CAT entrance test with 6 months of preparation, so the answer is yes, it is quite possible and feasible. Candidates need to believe in themselves and stay committed to their goals.

Benefits of Preparation through CAT Coaching

• Thinking Beyond
• Troubleshooter
• Focus & Motivation
• Interaction with peer group

CAT exam preparation without coaching/ self-study mode

• Join online study groups across the internet such as handakafunda, iquanta, and many more on Quora, Facebook, Telegram, and Youtube.
• Obtain online CAT exam study material and subscribe to various online free CAT test series from coaching institutes.
• Download MBA entrance exam preparation apps
• Buy the best books for CAT exam preparation

• Set CAT exam preparation timetable

How to prepare for CAT exam 2023?

CAT Exam Pattern and Test Structure: According to the IIM entrance exam pattern, the CAT question paper is divided into three sections; Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Aptitude (QA). Candidates have to solve MCQ and Non-MCQ-type questions. Know the highlights of the CAT exam pattern below:

For each wrong answer, 1 mark will be deducted, and 3 marks will be given for each correct answer. Note that there is no negative marking for TITA (Non-MCQ) questions.

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Indian Institute of Management (IIM) has activated the CAT exam 2023 mock test links in online mode. Candidates can find the CAT exam mock test link at iimcat.ac.in. Mock test practice is very important to prepare for the CAT exam 2023. Candidates preparing for the CAT entrance exam must remember that they should practice at least 40-50 mock tests of various difficulty levels during the preparation phase. They should also practice the official CAT exam mock test to know the latest CAT exam pattern.

Official CAT Mock Test by IIM

IIM officially releases mock tests for CAT exam candidates. The mock exam allows students to feel the real environment of the CAT entrance exam. Check out the below link to participate in the CAT exam mocks.

Careers360’s CAT Mock Test

Careers360 has created online CAT mock tests for students to familiarize themselves with the actual CAT exam environment. Check the table below to access Careers360’s free CAT Mock Test for practice:

Check out the Reasons to take the CAT exam mock test, tips and timing

How to take the CAT mock test online?

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CAT admit card is a mandatory document to carry to the exam centre so candidates should download it before the exam day. It is advised to download two copies as one must be submitted at the examination centre. The admit card for the CAT exam has been issued on November 7, 2023. It has the exam centre name, exam venue, reporting time, and other relevant information printed on it. Here is the procedure to download the CAT exam admit card.

Steps to download CAT admit card

• Go to the CAT website: iimcat.ac.in
• Next, click on the 'Login' button.
• Then enter the CAT application number and password.
• Next, go to the 'Admit Card' section.

• Finally, click on the 'Download' button.

CAT Exam Timings

Check the below table for CAT exam timings. Candidates must reach the examination centre as per the official time to appear in the examination.

Know more; What is a good CAT score? How to achieve it in the CAT exam

CAT Exam Day Guidelines

The CAT exam will be conducted at designated exam centres and candidates have to follow certain guidelines. Read below for CAT exam day guidelines , Documents to carry, and Prohibited items at the test centre.

NOTE: Candidates with a metal implant, pacemaker, etc. should bring the medical certificate to the examination centre.

The CAT preliminary answer key has been released on December 5, 2023. To download the CAT exam answer key, students have to log in to their dashboard using valid login credentials.

Check the steps to download CAT answer key and response sheet from the official website:

• Go to the official website of CAT - iimcat.ac.in.
• Next, find and click on the 'Login' tab.
• Then, enter CAT login ID and password.
• Click on the 'CAT answer key' tab at the top of the screen.

• It will download automatically in pdf format.

An answer key objection window will be opened for three to four days to raise objections. Candidates have to fill out the online form, upload a supporting document to prove the subject is valid, and required payment.

Official CAT Exam Answer Key Snapshot

CAT Exam Answer Key: How to Calculate CAT Scores?

The score obtained = 3 x the number of correct answers (MCQ and Non-MCQ) - 1 x the number of incorrect MCQ answers.

The CAT scores will be normalized as per the methodology announced by the conducting  IIM in light of the changes in the duration of the exam and other parameters. The details are available on this page in the result section.

As per the previous year's CAT exam analysis for slot 1, 2, and 3, the exam was moderately tricky in all three slots. The VARC and DILR sections were moderately easy, whereas the Quantitative Aptitude section was moderate in terms of difficulty level.

As in 2021, 2022 is dominated by Arithmetic in all three slots. Similarly, in the VARC category, reading comprehension had more weightage than verbal ability. The DILR section had 10 questions each.

Is CAT exam hard?

Usually, students search for the answer to this question, so going by past year trends the difficulty level of the CAT exam is a moderately difficult level, but those who start their CAT preparation in the early stage and keep practicing all three sections can crack the CAT entrance test with ease.

Know more about;

• CAT Exam Analysis by Career Launcher

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CAT exam analysis: Highlights

CAT Exam Analysis- Slot 1

Varun (CAT aspirant) took the first slot and said- It was his first attempt and it went quite well. The English section in CAT was moderate and DILR was quite time-consuming. The QA section was a bit long and time-consuming as well. As per him, the VARC was easy and DILR & Quant was difficult. VARC had 24 questions and the remaining two sections had 20 & 22 questions respectively.

CAT exam analysis- Slot 2

As one of the students, Siddharth Singh who took CAT slot 2 said, " The VARC section had 2 RCs and some of the VA was easy to moderate. For LRDI, he says, "I don't think there was any easy set, it was moderate or tough. (I hardly did one set)". He also said that QA questions were not very straightforward, you really have to search for easy targets.

CAT Slot 3 - Exam Analysis

According to the students who appeared in the CAT 2021 exam slot 3, the overall difficulty level was moderate when compared to CAT slot 1 and slot 2. Candidates who took CAT exam slot 2, said, "Exam was Moderately difficult. The quant was easy but tricky". As per the slot 3 paper, the Verbal, and DILR were moderately difficult. No surprises were there in the number of questions.

CAT exam 2023 results can be checked from the official website using a login ID and password. The authority will announce the CAT exam results tentatively in the first week of January 2024. The result cum scorecard of the CAT exam contains each candidate’s raw scores (sectional and overall) and percentiles (section and overall). 

Here’s the process to download the CAT exam results;

• Visit the CAT website - iimcat.ac.in.
• Find and click on the 'CAT result/ scorecard' link.
• Then, enter the CAT application number and password.
• Next, click on the ‘Scorecard’ section.

• Find and click on the ‘Download’ option and save the pdf of the CAT scorecard.

Also Check; CAT Score Vs CAT Percentile

What after CAT Result?

After the announcement of the CAT exam result, candidates who meet the minimum CAT exam cut-off score will be notified by email by the respective IIMs for further examination rounds. Each IIM will send the interview letters directly to the shortlisted candidates by registered e-mail/ speed post.

Check the CAT Exam - Percentile Predictor

CAT exam percentile predictor is an online tool developed exclusively by Carriers 360 that helps you evaluate your performance in the CAT exam and predict your sectional and overall score. The CAT predictor tool uses the expected/ estimated CAT score to predict the CAT exam percentile.

The CAT cut-off for IIM admission will be fixed by each institute category-wise. While the qualifying cut-offs are between 80 and 90 percentile (general category), the final cut-offs are much higher. Below are the qualifying CAT cut-off percentiles of 20 IIMs:

IIM selection process and admission include shortlisting of candidates based on CAT exam score and Written Ability Test (WAT) / Group Discussion (GD) / Personal Interview (PI). Each IIM sets a minimum CAT exam cutoff percentile to participate in the next round of the IIM admission process. Below is an overview of the selection process for IIMs and non-IIMs:

IIM Selection Process

IIMs release the admission criteria and selection process for PGP/ MBA before the CAT exam result declaration. The documents contain parameters, processes, cutoffs, etc. for MBA admission. The selection process through the CAT exam for all IIMs includes:

• Screening of candidates on the basis of their CAT exam score

• WAT/ GD/ PI

• Computation of Composite Score followed by final selection

Check out  all about the IIM Common Admission Process

Non-IIM Selection Process through CAT exam

Other than IIMs, institutions accepting CAT exam score conduct GD/ PI for admission to their MBA/ PGDM programmes. However, a few colleges admit students only on the basis of CAT exam scores without conducting a personality assessment round.

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